24 American Traditions That Are Holding Us Back: Is It Time to Let Go?

Traditions help make our society what it is. They unite us, give us common experiences, and connect us to our past. Not all traditions last forever. Some made sense a long time ago but are now old-fashioned, hurtful, or don’t fit with modern life.

In this article, we’ll look at 24 American traditions that might be time to let go. We’ll cover all sorts of traditions, cultural ones, social habits, and even some of our institutional practices.

As we go through this list, keep an open mind. You might agree with some points and disagree with others. The goal here isn’t to tell you what to think, but to get us all thinking about the traditions we follow and why. 

What do you think? Are there other traditions we should reconsider? Or new ones we should start? Let us know in the comments!

Supersized Portions

American restaurants and fast food joints are famous for their huge portions. While it might seem like a good deal, these oversized meals are causing big health problems. Studies show that food portions in the U.S. have grown way beyond what’s healthy. 

Some dishes are up to 700% larger than what USDA recommends! This trend is making it hard for people to eat right. It’s no wonder that in 2023, almost 42% of American adults were considered obese. 

Maybe it’s time we rethink what a normal meal looks like. Smaller portions could help us enjoy our food more and stay healthier at the same time.

Turkey Pardons

Every year, the President of the United States “pardons” a turkey before Thanksgiving. This ceremony is meant to be a light-hearted tradition, but it raises some questions when you think about it. We make a big show of saving one turkey while millions are killed for the holiday. 

It feels a bit like we’re trying to make ourselves feel better without really changing anything. This tradition doesn’t really address any meaningful issues about animal welfare or our food system. 

Instead of this symbolic gesture, we could use this time to have real conversations about how we treat farm animals and make our food choices.

Black Friday

Black Friday used to be a simple day of post-Thanksgiving sales. Now, it’s turned into a chaotic shopping event that sometimes leads to violence. Stores open earlier and earlier, cutting into family time on Thanksgiving. 

Workers face exhausting shifts and potentially dangerous crowds. The push for extreme deals encourages impulse buying and overspending. More than half of Americans chose to skip Black Friday altogether last year. 

It’s clear that this tradition is losing its appeal. Maybe it’s time to find a new way to kick off the holiday shopping season, one that doesn’t put profits above people’s well-being.

Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day is a fun American tradition where people pretend a groundhog can predict the weather. On February 2nd, people gather to see if the groundhog sees its shadow. If it does, it means six more weeks of winter. This is just a fun story, but it’s not based on science.

The Library of Congress says that watching for shadows has no scientific meaning. Groundhog Day is harmless fun, but it doesn’t teach us anything real about weather or climate.

We could use this day to learn about real weather science or talk about important environmental issues instead of relying on a groundhog’s shadow.

Columbus Day

Columbus Day has become increasingly controversial in recent years. As more people learn about Christopher Columbus’s actions towards Native Americans, they’re questioning why we celebrate him with a national holiday. 

Many cities and states have started replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This new holiday aims to honor the rich cultures and histories of Native American peoples. It’s a way to recognize the full story of America’s past, including the difficult parts. 

Changing this holiday shows how we can update our traditions to better reflect our values and a more complete understanding of history.

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21st Birthday Binge

In America, turning 21 often means a big party with lots of drinking. Some people try the “21 for 21” challenge, which is very dangerous because they drink 21 drinks in one night. This tradition can lead to bad things like alcohol poisoning and accidents.

Most college students drink on their 21st birthday. This can put pressure on young people and might lead to bad drinking habits later. We should think about safer ways to celebrate this big day without so much drinking.

Tipping Culture

Tipping is a big part of service jobs in America, especially in restaurants. This system can be stressful for customers and makes workers’ pay unpredictable. Their income changes a lot due to things they can’t control.

In 2023, many Americans did not like the tipping system. People feel stressed about always being asked to tip, even when they just grab something quickly. Other countries show that good service doesn’t need tips. Changing to a fairer system could help both workers and customers.

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Gender Reveals

Gender reveal parties have gotten way out of hand in recent years. These events often reinforce outdated gender stereotypes before a child is even born. In some cases, they’ve led to property damage, injuries, and even fatalities. 

In 2020, a gender reveal party sparked a wildfire in California that burned over 22,000 acres. These parties also ignore the complexity of gender identity, which can’t be determined before birth. 

Instead of these potentially harmful celebrations, we could find ways to welcome new babies that don’t impose gender expectations or put people at risk.  

Leaving Home at 18

There’s a strong expectation in American culture that young adults should move out of their parents’ home when they turn 18. This idea pushes young people to be independent before they might be ready, financially or emotionally. 

It can lead to unnecessary stress, debt, and even homelessness for those who can’t afford to live on their own. The reality is that 52% of young adults aged 18-29 in the U.S. now live with their parents. 

This shift reflects changing economic conditions and evolving views on adulthood. Instead of pushing for early independence, we could focus on supporting young adults as they gradually take on more responsibilities.

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Daylight Saving

We change our clocks twice a year, which affects our sleep and daily routines. This practice was meant to save energy, but it doesn’t seem to make a big difference. Instead, it might cause more problems.

When we “spring forward,” heart attacks increase by 24% in the following days. People often feel tired, are less productive, and have more accidents. Some countries have stopped changing their clocks and keep the same time all year. The U.S. might consider doing the same to improve health, safety, and overall well-being.

American Dream

The idea of the American Dream, that anyone can become successful through hard work. has been a central part of our national story. But for many, this dream feels out of reach. 

Rising costs of living, stagnant wages, and systemic inequalities make it harder for people to climb the economic ladder. The US actually ranks lower in economic mobility compared to many other developed countries. 

This means it’s harder for Americans to improve their financial situation than we might think. Maybe it’s time to redefine what success looks like. We could focus more on community, personal fulfillment, and quality of life rather than just material wealth.

Keeping Up with the Joneses

We’ve all heard the phrase “keeping up with the Joneses.” It’s about trying to match or outdo your neighbors’ lifestyle. This pressure to show off can cause a lot of stress and money problems. 

A 2024 survey found that over half of people admit they’ve overspent just to impress others. Even worse, 56% of those people ended up in debt because of it. That’s a lot of stress for the sake of looking good! 

Instead of constantly chasing more, we could adopt the concept of “satisfice“, finding what is “good enough” and being content with it. This approach might help us focus on what truly matters in life, rather than always craving more stuff.

Pledge of Allegiance

The Pledge of Allegiance is a daily routine in many American schools. Kids stand up, put their hands on their hearts, and say the same words every morning. This tradition started in 1892, but some people now question if it’s the best way to teach kids about being good citizens.

Some think that making young children repeat words they don’t fully understand is like training, not teaching. Loving our country is important, but there might be better ways to help kids understand what that means.

Instead of just saying the pledge, we could encourage students to think about what it means to be a good citizen. Doing community projects or learning about how our government works could teach kids more about patriotism than just reciting the pledge every day.

Degree Obsession

In America, there’s often a belief that you need a college degree to be successful. But this idea might be causing us to overlook other great career paths. Trade jobs like plumbing, electrical work, and construction can offer really good pay and job security. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, many of these professions pay between $50,000 and $70,000 a year. Plus, you can often start these careers without the heavy student loan debt that comes with a four-year degree. 

It might be time to change how we think about education and success. There are many ways to build a rewarding career, and college is just one of them. Encouraging young people to explore all their options could lead to happier workers and a stronger economy.

Car Culture

Americans love their cars. Our cities are built around them, with wide roads and lots of parking. But this car-centered lifestyle comes with big costs. Cars are the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the US, accounting for approximately 29% of the total emissions in 2022.

Our reliance on cars leads to traffic jams, air pollution, and less walking. It also makes it harder to build efficient public transportation systems. Many European cities show us a different way. 

They prioritize walking, biking, and public transit, creating healthier and more connected communities. Shifting away car culture could make our cities more livable and help protect the environment.

Death Penalty

The United States is one of the few developed countries that still uses the death penalty. This raises big moral issues. There is always a chance that an innocent person could be executed.

Research shows that the death penalty does not stop crime more than long prison sentences. It costs taxpayers a lot of money and can cause trauma for everyone involved, including prison workers.

Most Americans still think the death penalty is okay for murder cases, but many states have stopped using it. As we learn more about the justice system, it might be time to think again about using the death penalty across the country.

Electoral College

The way we elect presidents in the US is unique. The Electoral College system means that sometimes, the candidate with the most votes nationwide doesn’t win. This has happened five times in our history, including in 2016. 

Many people feel this system isn’t fair and doesn’t reflect the will of the people. It also means that candidates focus mostly on a few “swing states” instead of the whole country. Some argue we should switch to a national popular vote system. 

This would make every vote count equally, no matter where you live. It’s a big change to consider, but it could make our elections more democratic.

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Fraternity Hazing

Fraternities and sororities are a big part of college life for many students. But the hazing rituals associated with them can be dangerous. Since 2000, more than 50 people have died due to hazing incidents. 

These rituals often involve excessive drinking, humiliation, or risky stunts. They can promote harmful attitudes and exclusive behavior. Now, 44 states have laws against hazing, but it still happens. 

Colleges could focus on creating safer ways for students to bond and build community. This could include community service projects, academic clubs, or other activities that don’t put students at risk.

Political Dynasties

American politics has long been dominated by influential families, creating political dynasties. About 700 families have had two or more members serve in Congress. Famous examples include the Kennedy, Bush, and Clinton families. 

While there’s nothing wrong with family members going into politics, it can make it harder for new voices to be heard. It can also give some families too much influence over time. 

Encouraging a wider range of people to run for office could bring fresh ideas and better represent all Americans. We could look at ways to make it easier for everyday people to get involved in politics.

Workaholic Culture

American work culture often praises working long hours and taking little time off. This can cause burnout, stress, and poor mental health.

A recent survey found that 77% of U.S. workers feel stressed because of their jobs. Other countries have shown that having a better balance between work and personal life is good for both workers and companies.

If we change our work culture to focus on quality rather than quantity, it could make people more productive, creative, and happy overall.

Debt Dependence

Many Americans have gotten used to living on credit. It’s become so normal that around a third of people expected to go into debt just for holiday shopping in 2023. This reliance on borrowed money isn’t just for big purchases, many individuals also use credit for everyday purchases. 

As we entered 2024, U.S. household debt hit a record high of $17.3 trillion! Living this way can lead to money troubles that last for years. 

It might be time to change how we think about spending and saving. Learning to live within our means could help us feel more secure and less stressed about money.

Systemic Racism

Racism remains deeply ingrained in various aspects of American society, manifesting in systemic inequalities in education, employment, healthcare, and criminal justice. 

For instance, Black adults are about five times as likely as whites to say they’ve been unfairly stopped by police because of their race or ethnicity (44% vs. 9%). 

Acknowledging and actively working to dismantle these systemic inequalities is crucial for creating a more just and equitable society. This involves not just changing laws, but also shifting cultural attitudes and addressing unconscious biases.

Senate Filibuster

The filibuster is a Senate rule that allows a small group of senators to delay or block votes on bills. It was originally intended to promote discussion and agreement. Lately, it has been used more often just to stop progress.

This has caused problems in Congress, making it difficult to pass important laws. Some people believe the filibuster helps protect the opinions of minority groups in the Senate. Others think it gives too much power to a few people and stops the majority from getting what they want.

There is a lot of discussion about changing or eliminating the filibuster. The decision we make could greatly affect how our government operates and what it can accomplish.

Lawn Perfection

For a long time, having a perfectly green lawn has been a big part of American culture. But keeping these lawns requires a lot of resources. Every day, Americans use about 30-60 million gallons of water on their lawns. They also use 67 million pounds of pesticides each year.

These chemicals can hurt local ecosystems and wildlife. Plants that grow naturally in an area often need less water and care, and they help local birds and insects. Some people are changing their lawns to include wildflowers and natural grasses, known as “freedom lawns.”

Others are planting vegetables or making gardens that attract pollinators. Changing how we use our yards can help save water, reduce chemical use, and make our outdoor spaces more diverse and interesting.

Moving Forward

Many old American customs might not be helpful anymore. It’s normal to like things we’re used to, but change is often needed for progress.

Giving up old ways doesn’t mean we forget our past. It helps us start new, more inclusive customs that fit our values and help everyone in America.

Think about which customs still work for you and your community. Which ones need to be updated? Small changes in our daily lives can make big differences in our culture.

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AI was used for light editing, formatting, and readability. But a human (me!) wrote and edited this.